On a recent Tuesday, the Touro College Graduate School of Social Work Dean Steven Huberman told everyone to go take a hike—literally, that is. As part of a new, school-wide wellness initiative, the school’s faculty, staff and students are being granted opportunities to practice self-care and mindfulness.

“It’s a prime example of ‘practicing what you preach,’” said the dean.

The initiative is giving everyone at the school opportunities to practice mindfulness, health and wellness—not just teach or learn about it.

The kickoff event was an organized hike at the Manhattan Highline, where, armed with water bottles and baseball caps, the GSSW participants walked along the trail of the urban park while chatting about meditation, fitness and nature.

In addition to monthly hikes, the administration plans on introducing new courses in mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques.

Added the dean, “We want our students—our future social workers—to know that above all, we care about them, and we put their health and wellbeing at the forefront. They’re going to take care of others, so they need to know how to care for themselves first.”